Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Garmin Venu 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Garmin Venu 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic score essentially the same (4.2 vs 4.2). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Garmin Venu 3
Ranked #4 in Best Smartwatches
Garmin Venu 3
$349.99as of Jul 6

The Garmin Venu 3 is a well-rounded smartwatch that excels in health tracking and fitness monitoring, according to Bandletic's review. It features impressive battery life, accurate sensors, and advanced sleep tracking capabilities. While it offers a sleek design and comfortable wear, reviewers noted limitations in third-party app support and the absence of an LTE version. This smartwatch is ideal for health-conscious individuals seeking accurate data and long battery performance, though those wanting extensive smart features may find it lacking.

Strengths
  • Impressive battery life (up to two weeks)
  • Accurate GPS and heart rate/HRV sensors
  • All-day health and sleep tracking, including nap detection and morning reports
Watch-outs
  • Limited third-party app selection and slow app downloads
  • No LTE version available
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Ranked #5 in Best Smartwatches
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
$334.99as of Jul 6

PCMag's Andrew Gebhart praised the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic for its elegant design and high-quality tactile elements, particularly the rotating bezel and smooth One UI Watch interface. However, multiple reviewers including Andy Boxall and a Reddit user noted significant comfort issues due to its disproportionate shape and awkward fit, with one reviewer stating it failed to become part of the wrist and was practically impossible to wear comfortably all day. The watch's large size and weight make it unsuitable for overnight sleep tracking, and while battery life is solid, the overall comfort and ergonomics remain major drawbacks for many users.

Strengths
  • Polished finishing with silver-and-white color scheme that is striking yet classy
  • Rotating bezel provides tactile joy with perfectly dampened clicks
  • One UI Watch is smooth, slick, and fast to respond
Watch-outs
  • Uncomfortable fit due to short and low lugs, flat case back, and tall bezel making it feel like an obstinate wart on the wrist
  • Large dimensions make it annoying under cuffs and difficult to wear overnight for sleep tracking

How they stack up

Garmin Venu 3

The Garmin Venu 3 offers unmatched battery life compared to the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, but it lacks the app ecosystem and smart features of the Apple models. Unlike the OnePlus Watch 3, it doesn't have a large, high-resolution display or LTE support, and it's not as durable or water-resistant. It's a strong choice for health-focused users who prioritize long battery life over smart connectivity.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic stands out with its rotating bezel and elegant design, but it's significantly less comfortable than the OnePlus Watch 3, which offers a better fit despite similar size. Unlike the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it lacks ruggedization and outdoor-specific features, and while it has a polished UI, it doesn't match the Apple Watch Series 11 in terms of performance and health tracking capabilities.

Specs side-by-side

SpecGarmin Venu 3Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display1.4-inch AMOLED1.9-inch Super AMOLED
ProcessorS9 System in Package (SiP)Exynos W940
Battery LifeUp to two weekstwo to three days
Water Resistance5 ATM5ATM
ConnectivityLTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
Health FeaturesElevate V5 sensorheart rate, and temperature sensor
Weight47g (45mm)49.7g
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